HMV Staff Use Twitter To Reveal Redundancies

HMV staff have used the company's Twitter account to reveal workers at the head office and other non-shop employees are being fired.

The staff used the social media service to inform followers that 190 people were being made redundant.

One staff member tweeted: "We're tweeting live from HR where we're all being fired! Exciting!"

The worker, who was apparently using an iPhone, added: "There are over 60 of us being fired at once! Mass execution, of loyal employees who love the brand.

"Sorry we've been quiet for so long. Under contract, we've been unable to say a word, or - more importantly - tell the truth."

The joint administrators from Deloitte later confirmed the 190 redundancies, most at HMV's office in Eastcastle Street, London, with others in its Marlow head office, a site in Solihull and distribution centres in Canning Town, London, and Birmingham.

Administrator Nick Edwards said: "Since our appointment as administrators over two weeks ago, we have been assessing the financial position of HMV.

"Following this review, a number of redundancies at the head office and distribution centres have been made.

"Although such decisions are always difficult, it is a necessary step in restructuring the business to enhance the prospects of securing its future as a going concern."

It was later reported that one of those made redundant, HMV's social media planner Poppy Rose Cleere, claimed responsibility for the tweets.

HMV called in administrators in early January after suffering dismal Christmas sales, which put more than 4,000 jobs at risk at its 223 stores.

It was one of three well-known high street firms that called in administrators in the New Year as Britain's high streets struggled against online sales.

Shortly after taking charge the administrators said the chain would no longer honour gift vouchers and cards, but after a storm of protest from consumers, they said gift cards and vouchers could be redeemed in stores from Tuesday.

Retail restructuring group Hilco UK has acquired HMV's debt, effectively giving it control of the administrator-managed entertainment chain.

The debt purchase has been taken from the books of the struggling retail chain's lenders, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds.

HMV's net debt last October stood at £176m but it struggled to find a niche that would give it an advantage over online retail alternatives.

Administrator Mr Edwards added: "We have been very pleased with the level of interest in the business as a going concern, whilst the response from customers has demonstrated the demand to see HMV remain on the high street.

"Equally, the support received from suppliers has been very positive and has enabled us to continue trading during the administration.

"As a result of all of these factors, I remain hopeful we will be able to secure a future for a restructured business."